It’s been almost three months since Tom Brady and his Tampa Bay Buccaneers claimed Super Bowl LV. Have you missed the NFL? We sure have. Throw up your praise hands, football fans—the 2021 draft is almost here.
Last year’s draft was an event that deviated from the norm. Due to COVID-19, the spectacle was held virtually. Commissioner Roger Goodell announced picks from his basement, with cameras planted inside the residences of players, coaches, and executives. It had an intimate and entertaining feel.
It was an amusing distraction from the chaos of the pandemic, which had essentially shut down sports at the time. This time around, we’re getting back to the normal setup, with picks announced live in Cleveland Thursday-Saturday.
The 2020 draft ushered in a new generation of stars, with some rookies making an impact right from the jump (like Chase Young and Justin Jefferson). More franchise-changers will make their NFL introduction later this week. Your team’s savior could be on his way!
So, what’s the hub-hub around the league surrounding the draft? Let’s run down the juiciest rumors.
49ers Locked In on Jones or Lance
The San Francisco 49ers had a disappointing year. One season after qualifying for the Super Bowl, the Bay Area’s squad was ravaged by injuries and finished 6-10, missing the playoffs.
Though the Niners are loaded with defensive talent, this team clearly needs a QB who can stay healthy to elevate to the next level and make it back to championship contention. The down-on-his-luck Jimmy Garoppolo is “more available than he’s ever been,” according to Peter King. The 49ers would reportedly want a high draft pick in return—either a first- or second-rounder. Kyle Shanahan didn’t do anything to dispute that reporting Monday either, with an epic response about he’s not sure we’ll all still be alive on Sunday.
So, who would step in as San Francisco’s new signal-caller? It appears the 49ers are keen to hand the reins to a rookie. They have the No. 3 overall pick, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Alabama’s Mac Jones and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance are the two candidates in the mix.
According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, coach Kyle Shanahan wants Jones, but others in San Francisco’s front office want Lance.
Bottom line: expect the 49ers to make a significant change involving the QB position around the draft.
QBs Going 1-2-3
Lions and Dolphins Looking to Trade Down?
Patriots Targeting Justin Fields
Ohio State QB Justin Fields had another impressive season, with the Georgia transfer leading his Buckeyes to the national title game (where Alabama dominated, but we digress). The NFL has had eyes on him for years, but his draft stock has been surprisingly volatile, with some speculating he could slide.
There is at least one team, however, that appears to have fallen in love with Fields: the New England Patriots. Pelissero reports the Pats have been calling top-10 teams and looking to move up, with Fields believed to be their target. New England currently has the No. 15 pick, and the report states the Patriots would likely need to surrender that selection and a second-rounder to grab a top-10 pick (like the Lions’ No. 7 pick).
The Carolina Panthers (No. 8) and Denver Broncos (No. 9) are both candidates to select a QB, so New England might be looking to jump over those teams. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler indicated the Panthers, who recently traded for Sam Darnold, would be tempted by Fields at No. 8.
New England signed Cam Newton to another one-year deal, but he’s clearly not the long-term solution under center. Fields is an intriguing option. Don’t rule out New England picking a different QB, though. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah says the Patriots have been doing “homework” on Florida’s Kyle Trask.
Julio Jones On the Block?
